The Secret of Castlegate Manor

by Karen Cogan

  Maggie paused in her ministrations. "The master, Miss?" She seemed to be considering.

  "Yes. There is a Lord Aberly, is there not?" She could not politely inquire this of Lady Aberly, but she could ask her servant.

  "No, Miss. I understand Lord Aberly died before the Lady and Miss Lavenia came to live here. I never met him, Miss."

  Caroline nodded. So Lady Aberly was a widow. She wondered if she was of independent means or a poor relative of Lady Eleanor. No acceptable means existed to phrase that question, yet it did not keep her from wondering.

  Edwards greeted her politely as she passed through the great room on her way to the rose garden. The sunshine glinted on dewy petals as she closed her eyes and bent to inhale the heavenly scent. She would be happy to spend her life ensconced in this garden.

  She followed the cobbled path of high hedges rising behind a variety of roses until she reached a stone bench. She settled on the bench, letting her bonnet shade her face. Alone in this quiet place, she closed her eyes and invented a fictional past that pleased her. She envisioned herself as a child, taking walks in the woods, as a young girl with a governess, learning French and deportment.

  No doubt Lavenia had known these privileges while maids, such as Caroline, had fetched water for baths and mended pretty clothes.

  She closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of the garden. Her fantasy of a childhood fled with the reminder that, had Lady Aberly known the truth, Caroline would never have been allowed to sit at table discussing theatre and intimate parties. She harbored no bitterness for her past. Her parents had been kind and good. Yet, now that she had come here, she knew this was where she longed to stay. Like Cinderella, it was the dream of her childhood

  A shadow blocked the sun. Caroline opened her eyes, startled to see a young man paused in the path, staring down at her. His face held a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

  He swept off his hat and bowed in response to her startled gaze. "I held my breath lest I interrupt such rapt reflection on so fair a face. I am Steffen Humphrey, Viscount of Crestwood. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

  Caroline searched her memory for when she had heard the name. Then she remembered. Lavenia had said he was the cousin who had visited the estate.

  She smiled. "I am Miss Caroline Stewart, great-niece of Lady Eleanor."

  She watched the expression in his dark eyes flicker. Was there something calculating in their depths?

  He rubbed his finely chiseled chin. "I was not aware that Lady Eleanor had another great-niece."

  Caroline felt her composure flicker. She swallowed down her discomfort. "I have been abroad, sir."

  A gracious smile formed on his thin lips. "I see. I just heard of the dear lady's passing. My man and I have come to see to the condition of the estate. He nodded to the servant who waited behind him. "Without the firm hand of a master, I feared to find it in disrepair."

  Caroline shook her head. "No, indeed, my lord. The house is in grand form and the gardens are a delight."

  Caroline took in his impeccable clothes, his fine silken waistcoat, his finely woven coat.

  He nodded. "I am glad to hear it. My business interests have occupied me and it has been quite some time since my last visit."

  He extended his hand. "Pray lend me your company. Edwards has informed Lady Aberly of my presence and I was just going in for tea."

  Caroline extended her gloved hand and allowed him to assist her in rising. They strolled the cobblestone path back to the great room.

  The tea and biscuits had been laid out upon the polished table. Lady Aberly and Lavenia were already seated.

  Lady Aberly smiled, her dark eyes taking in the arrival of the viscount with Caroline. "An unexpected pleasure, my lord. I see you have met our cousin."

  "Indeed, and found her most charming."

  Caroline felt her cheeks flush with the unaccustomed attention. "I was admiring the roses when Mr. Humphrey happened into the garden."

  Lady Aberly poured tea. "How did you find the garden, sir?"

  Mr. Steffen Humphrey accepted his cup. "Most ably kept."

  Caroline thought she detected a note of disappointment in his voice.

  He continued. "My housing in the Royal Crescent is not without comfort. Yet, I have always harbored a fondness for this estate."

  Caroline noticed how Lavenia's hand shook as she sipped her tea. His words seemed to cause her discomfit. Caroline, however, could understand his sentiments. Though she had been here a short time, she also held a fondness for this fine old house, its forest and green expanse of lawn.

  Lady Aberly chatted into the momentary silence. "You are most welcome here any time. Lavenia made mention of you only yesterday."

  Lavenia's eyes went wide before she regained her composure.

  Steffen eyed her appraisingly. "I am honored, for you must know with what high regard I hold my cousin."

  He let his gaze drift to Caroline. "And now I find I have another comely cousin. A choice, now I see."

  Caroline felt keenly the competition in which she was being thrown with Lavenia. In all her days of serving, she had never felt the sting of being a thoroughbred led through the ring for bidding. She disliked the feeling. And she was beginning to dislike the viscount.

  She tossed her head. "I assure you, sir, my position as a temporary guest will not disturb any choices you may have made."

  Steffen dabbed his mouth with the edge of the pale linen napkin. "We shall see. Now, as I have business back in Bath, I shall thank you ladies for your fine company."

  He bowed over Lady Aberly's hand and nodded his good-byes. "So nice to meet you, Miss Stewart. I am sure we shall meet again soon."

  Caroline extended her good wishes, feeling a tangible relief sweep over the room at his departure.

  She puzzled over the possible understanding between Lavenia and the Viscount as she took her afternoon rest, finally falling asleep longer than she intended. On the way to late tea, she paused at the drawing room. Without endeavoring to eavesdrop, she could clearly hear Lady Aberly addressing her daughter.

  "You really must consider the advantages of marriage to the viscount. Do you want us to end up upon the street without a shilling? Do be realistic."

  "I believe I have the interest of the Mr. Ruyter. He will soon be a Baron, Mama. I far prefer him to that dandy of a cousin."

  Caroline heard Lady Aberly sigh. "As you wish, dear. I hope your headstrong notion does not lead us into despair."

  Caroline gave a small cough before she entered. She had no desire to have her hostess guess that she had been listening. Still, she had every intention of trying to encourage Lavenia to add to her understanding of the strange relationship to Mr. Humphrey when they went to town on the morrow.

  Lady Aberly pasted a smile over her previous look of angst. "Do join us, my dear. Lavenia and I were just speaking of how fatigued you must be to have slept so long."

  Caroline nodded agreeably. "Traveling has taken more out of me than I realized."

  Lavenia's expression clouded. "I trust you will be up to a trip to town tomorrow?"

  Caroline nodded. "I would not miss the lovely temptation of Bath for any amount of rest."

  "I fear you will not find Bath as exotic as India, though it does have its charm. I do not mean to make you homesick, but I have wondered how long your family has lived in India?" Lady Aberly said.

  "My grandfather brought my father over as a little boy. But you are right, my lady. It does make me homesick to speak of them." Caroline was relieved to have found an excuse to avoid speaking of her invented family.

  Lady Aberly smiled. "Of course. How thoughtless of me. I understand how you must miss them. We shall change the subject."

  Lady Aberly listened indulgently as Lavenia burbled on about the wonders of Bath. The Sidney Gardens, the Pump Room, and Prior Park.

  "Of course we shall have to sample Sally Lunn Buns. We shall bring some back for Mother. Have you ever tasted them?" Lav
enia asked Caroline.

  "No. I have not."

  Lavenia beamed. "You have missed a rare treat. We shall have such a good time. I can hardly wait."

  Lavenia's enthusiasm was catching. Caroline found her interest high as she rose in the morning and prepared for the trip. After Maggie finished buttoning the back of her day dress of pale blue jonquil muslin, Caroline hurried down to meet Lavenia.

  She found her companion waiting eagerly. "John Coachman has already brought round the carriage. Maria will act as chaperon." She nodded to the servant who waited, expressionless, for the ladies to proceed her from the house.

  The trip to Bath intrigued Caroline, though she regretted trading the coveted view of the countryside for that of the city. Still, as they clattered across Pulteney Bridge to the center of town, Caroline found herself intrigued by the variety of shops.

  They alighted at Milsom Street and entered the milliner's shop. "Perhaps I am mistaken, but I would think the bonnets here quite as nice as any in London," Lavenia commented.

  Caroline glanced around at the variety of merchandise. She knew enough about such finery to agree with Lavenia. "They are remarkably in fashion. I have seen none finer on the streets of London."

  Smiling from the assurance, Lavenia greeted the shop owner who scurried to attend them. "I would like to see the rose bonnet with the embroidered ribands."

  The woman handed the bonnet to Lavenia. With delicately gloved hands, she placed it carefully on her head, then turned to view herself in the looking glass.

  Biting her lip, she turned to Caroline. "What do you think? Perhaps I should try the straw bonnet with the primrose trim. I am so dreadfully short of day bonnets."

  Caroline assured her that either choice went wonderfully well with her creamy complexion. Since she could not make a decision, Lavenia purchased both bonnets.

  She handed the band boxes to her maid to place in the carriage while the young ladies continued their stroll toward George street.

  Caroline sought a means to bring up the subject that intrigued her. Perhaps Miss Lavenia would talk candidly now that she was out of her mother's hearing.

  She sighed inwardly. Not "Miss" Lavenia, she reminded herself. She must learn to think of Lavenia as her equal if she were to succeed in the masquerade.

  She spied a gentleman of refined attire entering a smoke shop. She touched Lavenia lightly on the arm. "I thought for a moment that gentleman was Lord Humphrey."

  Lavenia met the statement with an unladylike scowl. "I should hope not. I would not like to meet that dandy on the street."

  Caroline feigned surprise. However, the years she had spent overhearing the conversation of the gentry had taught her that private opinions did not always match public expression. The fact that Lavenia had not fully expressed her opinion of the viscount during tea was obvious to Caroline.

  Lavenia glanced behind them. She seemed assured that no one could overhear their conversation. "I should not tell you this, but since we are cousins, I shall. When Steffen's father gambled away the greater portion of their estate, Aunt Eleanor would have nothing to do with him. When Steffen followed in his father's gaming footsteps, Aunt Eleanor quite lost use for him also. I suppose he must stay in enough chips to keep himself in his fine clothes." Lavenia sniffed in an unladylike manner.

  "He wishes to marry you?"

  "He wishes to live at Castlegate Manor, I believe."

  Caroline nodded. "I see. And what do you get out of the union?"

  Lavenia flushed. "A title, I suppose."

  Again, Caroline could not escape the feeling that she was holding something back.

  They reached the bakery and Caroline lost herself in the delicious scent of fresh bread and rolls. Lavenia purchased an even dozen and the young ladies nibbled on them as they watched the shoppers pass by. Never, Caroline thought, had any bread melted so delectably in her mouth.

  They handed the remaining rolls to their attendant and continued a stroll down the street.

  Lavenia pointed at an impressive stone building. "There is the theatre where we shall attend the concert on Saturday."

  Caroline swallowed hard. She knew nothing about such things. She would have to take careful clues from Lavenia. "I do hope I have appropriate dress. I had little time to attend to garments while in London. I fear I may be a bit out of style." She hoped this explanation would cover the alterations she had done to Lady Eleanor's wardrobe.

  Lavenia gave her a sweet smile. "I am sure you will look lovely in whatever you choose."

  Caroline studied her companion. She had a kind face, devoid of the snobbery she had seen on so many. She liked the girl all the better the more she got to know her.

  After stopping at a few more shops, they headed back to the carriage. "I shall have to hire a sedan chair if I walk any further," Lavenia proclaimed.

  Caroline did not feel the least fatigued, but she waved her fan as vigorously as Lavenia in order to appear as delicate as any aristocrat.

  As they neared the waiting carriage, a matronly woman stopped Lavenia. "My dear Miss Stewart. How delightful to see you here in Bath."

  Lavenia curtesied. "Madam Ruyter. It is good to see you. May I introduce my cousin, Miss Caroline Stewart?"

  Madam Ruyter nodded. "I trust you young ladies will enjoy the upcoming concert. I know my Henry is quite looking forward to having you join our party."

  "You are hospitable, my lady. My cousin and I will look forward to the event."

  Caroline noted the flush on Lavenia's cheeks when the lady moved on. She was, no doubt, the mother of the young man who held Lavenia's interest. Lavenia's reaction bespoke a matter of the heart and not merely of convenience. For that, Caroline felt an unaccountable gladness. She wished the same for herself. Would she attain it?

  Lavenia displayed high spirits on the ride back to Castlegate Manor. "I do not know when I have so enjoyed a trip to the shops. I have always wanted a sister. Now, with you here, it is as though my wish has come true."

  Caroline's conscience prickled at the deception that had enabled her to be a companion to Lavenia. Yet how nice it had been to speak as equals and be recognized by Madam Ruyter, obviously a respected member of the ton.

  ###

  Saturday morning showers left a dampness that curled Caroline's wavy hair into wisps about her face. Tonight, she would attire herself as a lady and accompany Lady Aberly and Lavenia to the theatre.

  A persistent anxiety wedged itself in her heart as she stared into her looking glass. Without resorting to vanity, she knew that she was appealing. Her heartshaped face contained wide dark eyes fringed with long lashes, a well-shaped nose and generous lips. It was not the face that bothered her. Instead, it was the unnerving feeling that she was looking at a stranger.

  A servant's uniform topped with white starched bonnet should have greeted her. The woman in the mirror wore a day dress of soft rose mull. White gloved fingers tied a straw bonnet with matching rose ribands in place. Yes, the face was right. But the apparel was all wrong.

  She rose briskly from the dressing table. She must not give attention to these doubts. Like a fairy godmother, Lady Eleanor wished to give her this chance to become a lady. She would not be so foolish as to allow her childish insecurity to spoil it.

  By afternoon tea, a sense of preparation permeated the entire household. Servants scurried to bring starched petticoats and polished slippers.

  After a short rest, the ladies began the task of dressing for the evening outing. Caroline had made a careful study of her gowns. After consulting Lavenia, she chose a soft turquoise gown of sheer joconet.

  As she joined the other ladies for a light supper, she admired Lavenia's high-cheeked beauty. She wondered about Mr. Henry Ruyter and what sort of man he might be. From Lavenia's flushed cheeks, Caroline could only suppose he was as dashing as Lavenia was lovely.

  As they were helped into the carriage, Lady Aberly seemed in a nervous jitter. "Lavenia, I do not believe that bonnet goes best with your fe
atures. I do wish you had chosen one with a thinner brim."

  Lavenia slid beside her mother. "Then I would have no excuse to tilt up my face to bat my eyes at Mr. Ruyter."

  The older lady clucked her disapproval. "Do not be vulgar. If he does not declare his intentions soon, I shall have to insist you accept betrothal to your cousin."

  Lavenia caught her lip. Caroline's annoyance with Lady Aberly rose over the woman's persistent badgering. Surely, it was not necessary for Lavenia to rush into marriage with anyone. They seemed most comfortably ensconced at Castlegate Manor and she did have prospects for a suitable match.

  Again, Caroline had the feeling that there was something about the situation of these ladies that was quite outside her knowledge. But at the present, the prospect of conducting herself properly at the upcoming event drove these thoughts from her mind.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Caroline offered a delicate, gloved hand to the footman as she alighted from the carriage to the grandeur of the theatre rising before her. Inside, surrounded by splendidly clad patrons, the enormity of her pretense threatened to suffocate her.

  She took a deep breath and followed Lady Aberly and Lavenia to the foot of the stairs where she recognized Madam Ruyter and a young man she supposed was Henry.

  She forgot herself as she attended to the introductions. Henry looked nothing as she expected. Tall and thin, his features somewhat sharp and his hands overly large for his wrists, he was not the dashing prince she had pictured for Lavenia. And yet, a glance at Lavenia's raptured face told Caroline that Lavenia imagined him the most winsome man alive.

  They proceeded up to the boxes where a Baron and Baroness of Mrs. Ruyter's acquaintance were already seated. The older couple greeted them amiably as they took seats in the comfortably padded chairs, Lavenia beside Henry and Caroline beside Lady Aberly.

  As she awaited the performance, Caroline took note of the fine surroundings. Rich velvet curtains of ruby red were secured by ties at either side of all the boxes. Below, the stage was curtained with the same rich velvet.